Christmas II

More photos from our little jaunt around the lake on Christmas Day. The snow was unusual, but very much appreciated. The trees looked as though they were made of ice.

Christmas

The years when we spend Christmas in Germany, Olaf and I make a Christmas Day trip to the Rubbenbruchsee. Usually we take a little walk around the frozen lake and enjoy a coffee in the restaurant near the shore.

Olaf's favorite gift was a yo-yo, which instantly transported him to when he was 14. On Christmas Day morning he ran around trying to 'walk the dog' and yelling 'yo yo's for your mega.'

With Olaf's family we exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, which makes Christmas that much more magical.

Winter Wonderland

Last night Olaf and I ventured out in the snow to meet some of his old friends from school. The snow was really coming down, making the walk into the old town that much more magical. That's me above, on Olaf's street.
This is the old city hall. If you turn 30 and are still single, your friends will drag you to this still used building, and you must sweep the stairs like an old maid. Of course, everyone sits around and drinks lots of beer afterward.
After Christmas the children are allowed to eat the gingerbread house, which is about 12 feet tall.

Christmas Market IV

We rode the carousel at the market. It's over a hundred years old! Claudia rode it with Gerrit and Olaf when they were boys.

Christmas Market III

Making feuerzangenbowle in the Christmas market. One of these big copper kettles exploded early on in December. A scandal for the Osnabrueckers, who are still talking about the lack of regulation on mulled wine kettles, and the tragedy of the spilled gallons of that sweet nectar.



Birgit and Gerrit met us at the Christmas market. It was so cold, but we were warmed up by our feuerzangenbowle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feuerzangenbowle. Gerrit made it at home once, but used too much rum, so the whole thing exploded all over the kitchen.

Christmas Market II

Wolfgang also has a love of Kartoffelpuffer, so we shared a portion of that crispy, fried, potato goodness while on the Christmas market.

Christmas Market

Yesterday we arrived in Osnabrück, Olaf's hometown. Despite the travel mess in London, we made it out just fine.

Last night was the last night of the Christmas market, so it was a must-do for us and the other Gurks.

This is the old town, which was full of Christmas shoppers, and so gorgeous with the fresh snow and twinkling Christmas lights.

The store on the right, in the second photo, is Leysieffer. Our wedding favors came from there, via Wolfgang. They have wonderful cakes and candies, but we like their mulled wine the best.